IIM KASHIPUR FIED SANCTIONS RS 1.6 CRORE FUNDING TO 10 AGRICULTURE FOCUSED START-UPS
In a groundbreaking move, higher education institutions (HEIs) across India have come together to establish the country's first-ever Higher Education Institutions-led 'Agri Consortium.' Spearheaded by IIM Kashipur, this consortium marks a significant stride toward fostering collaboration and innovation in the agricultural sector.
In a groundbreaking move, higher education institutions (HEIs) across India have come together to establish the country's first-ever Higher Education Institutions-led 'Agri Consortium.' Spearheaded by IIM Kashipur, this consortium marks a significant stride toward fostering collaboration and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Sealing the Pact for Progress
The inception of this consortium was formalized during the 'Agri-Entrepreneurship in South Asia' Consortium-2023, a transformative event organized by the Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development (FIED), an incubation center affiliated with IIM Kashipur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
A Platform for Agricultural Advancement
The 'Agri Consortium 2023,' a two-day event, was conceived with a central mission: to provide a unified platform for academicians, researchers, students, and industry experts to engage in constructive dialogues. The discussions revolved around a spectrum of critical topics, including the latest agricultural trends, technological innovations, research breakthroughs, funding opportunities, and the evolving needs of the agricultural industry.
A Collaborative Framework for the Future
One of the most significant outcomes of the consortium was the unanimous agreement among HEIs and universities on a principled collaboration framework consisting of three pivotal components:
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Sharing of Startup Databases: Consortium members committed to actively exchange startup databases, creating an ecosystem where emerging businesses in the agricultural domain can receive collaborative support.
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Incubation and Support Programs: The consortium pledged to disseminate incubation and startup support programs, nurturing the growth and development of agricultural startups.
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Networking and Best Practices: Participating HEIs vowed to establish a platform for networking and sharing best practices, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and collaboration in the agricultural sector.
Agricultural Success and Investment
Professor Kulbhushan Balooni, Director of IIM Kashipur, expressed his gratitude for the successful culmination of the 'Agri-Entrepreneurship in South Asia' Consortium 2023. He underscored the consortium's significance as a platform for sharing information about agricultural startups supported by member higher education institutions across India, thus promoting collaborative efforts that ultimately benefit the nation's farmers.
In parallel news, the RKVY RAFTAAR Scheme, backed by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, through FIED at IIM Kashipur, allocated funding amounting to 1 crore 60 lakh rupees to support ten startup companies. These startups operate in diverse sectors, including drone technology, agri supply chain, food processing, hydroponics, waste-to-wealth, and agri-biotechnology industries.
The establishment of the 'Agri Consortium' and the funding allocation reflect India's commitment to advancing its agricultural sector through education, innovation, and collaboration. This collaborative initiative is poised to drive positive change in the nation's agriculture landscape, benefitting farmers and stakeholders alike.